30 Years at Parry Sound Books

Turning 30 is a daunting prospect – a time to reflect on the past, and dream about the promise of the future.

As Parry Sound Books turns 30 I reflected on the past, and the 1000s of books I’ve loved reading over that time. I have written a weekly review during most of those years, and looking back over those reviews and the books on my shelves I have selected 30 books that I remember most fondly, and those that I believe have stood the test of time.

I have left out more than I have included. It was hard to leave out the Orange Prize winning novel The Idea of Perfection by Kate Grenville (1999) but it was published the same year as No Great Mischief by Alistair MacLeod. On Chesil Beach (2007) by Ian McEwan is every bit as wonderful as Birds in Fall by Brad Kessler, the book I chose for that year. Life After Life by Kate Atkinson (2013) is a novel I loved – but it was published the same year as Michael Winter’s Minister Without Portfolio, a book I think is a neglected treasure. Not only have I left out any number of wonderful books, but I’ve purposely left out mystery novels – those of us who ready mysteries, know they are the snacks, not the main course. I’ve been, unapologetically, biased toward books by Canadian writers, many of whom have accepted my invitation to read from their novels in Parry Sound during the past 30 years.

From 1 April, the day I registered the business name in 1988, until 1 November 2018, Parry Sound Books will offer our selection of “30 Years – 30 Books” at 30% off the suggested retail price. Please take a look at this selection and choose books to read for the first time, or re-read a book that you may have mostly forgotten, or pick a present for a friend.

We head into the future with as much love of the job and commitment to serving our customers as we began with in 1988, and we very sincerely thank you for your loyal support.

After 30 years I am planning to take more time away in the spring and fall, so you’ll see some new faces behind the desk at Parry Sound Books. But, I know I have the absolutely best job in the world, and I will be here more often than not.

I look forward to talking with you about the books we have all most enjoyed reading, as we head into the next 30 years of bookselling in Parry Sound.